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Career Insights

Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Price: How Fall Flavors Fuel the Economy

Oct 1, 2025

Pumpkin spice is a cultural phenomenon generating millions. For DECA members, it’s a reminder that creativity, consumer psychology and timing can turn a small idea into a spice-tacular business case.

Compete

How to Prepare for District Competitions Like a Pro

Oct 1, 2025

Districts are your first chance to showcase your skills, gain feedback and set the tone for the rest of the competitive season. Check out these tips to help you get ready to shine.

Chapter Strategy

How Can You #ThankAPrincipal This Month?

Oct 1, 2025

October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Check out ideas and resources you can use to #ThankAPrincipal this month.

Conferences

Lights, Leadership and Lifelong Memories: What to Expect at The Ultimate DECA Power Trip

Oct 1, 2025

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your competitive edge, grow as a leader or connect with members nationwide, Power Trip has something for everyone. Let’s dive into what this conference has to offer!

Chapter Strategy

Fall-ing into Fundraising: Ideas to Raise Money for Your DECA Chapter this Fall

Oct 1, 2025

By tapping into the energy of autumn, you can raise funds while building community spirit and strengthening your chapter! Here are five ideas to get you started.

Chapter Strategy

Power Up Your Chapter: A Guide to DECA’s Chapter Campaigns

Oct 1, 2025

From connecting with the community to rallying school spirit, chapter campaigns are one of the most powerful ways DECA members can make an impact. DECA offers five campaigns, so let’s dive into which campaign may be the best fit.

Career Insights

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: How Companies Use the Fall Season to Get Ahead

Oct 1, 2025

Seasonal marketing—whether in quick-service restaurants, retail or even your local grocery store—is a powerful strategy that celebrates the season and showcases entrepreneurial creativity.

Chapter Strategy

Baking Up Success: How Two DECA Chapters Use Cookies to Power Their SBEs

Sep 30, 2025

Two DECA chapters - Frankfort DECA and Broad Run DECA - are finding creative ways to use Otis Spunkmeyer cookies as more than just a sweet snack but also thriving school-based enterprises.

Compete

Get Ready for Round One of the DECA Virtual Business Challenge

Sep 30, 2025

You won't want to miss the annual DECA Virtual Business Challenge! DECA VBC is an official competitive event free to high school members. Participate and you could earn a trip to ICDC and a share of over $20,000 in scholarship money.

College Success

History Has Its Eyes on You: How to Make Your College Essay Stand Out

Sep 30, 2025

While Hamilton wrote 51 essays to defend the Constitution, we only have to write one for college. One simple yet weighted essay can redirect our lives. So here are three factors to consider as you brainstorm your college essay topic.

Chapter Strategy

Shop 'Till You Drop: Ways to Celebrate SBE Week At Your School

Sep 29, 2025

2025 DECA SBE Week is here, and we couldn't be more excited! Here are some ways to celebrate with your school-based enterprise.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Reduce, Reuse or Recycle - Hotel Renovations

Sep 29, 2025

Step into the role of the general manager of Lilac Inn, an independent hotel property in a city of 30,000 people. The owner wants you to identify waste redirection opportunities that could lead to a better brand image.

Spotlights

Meet 4 DECA Alumni Who Have Maximized their Momentum

Feb 7, 2022

Over its more than 75-year history, DECA has prepared more than ten million members for college and career success. Here's how DECA shaped the career paths of four alumni and advice they wish to share with current members.

Spotlights

Alumni Spotlight: Ramkishore Annachi

Feb 7, 2022

Ramki served as DECA’s Southern Region Vice President for the 2020-2021 academic year. He was an avid competitor from North Carolina who was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve at the chapter, association and executive levels of leadership.

Spotlights

Alumni Spotlight: Mackenzie Perez

Feb 7, 2022

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career-ready, but what does that mean? I had the opportunity to meet with alumna Mackenzie Perez and discuss how DECA prepared her for college success.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Clarifying Transactions for an Office Supply Company

Feb 7, 2022

You are to assume the role of the controller at Office Supplies Company. The vice president of the company wants you to clarify transactions.

Partners

Helping Students Find Hope and Discover a Successful Path Forward

Feb 3, 2022

Every day, teachers work tirelessly to encourage students who mention feeling disconnected from school or don’t find the curriculum materials useful or relevant. Schools are aiming to address this by providing students with more experiences to engage in real-world applications that help them tie their interests and skills to rewarding careers.

Compete

3 Tips to Conquer Competitive Event Exam Anxiety

Feb 2, 2022

Do you get nervous before taking an exam? With these three easy methods, you will be able to overcome your test anxiety and stroll into your classroom or competitive event feeling confident that you will ace that test!

DECA News

Positioning for the Future: DECA's 2020-2021 Impact

Feb 1, 2022

As nearly everyone has proclaimed, 2020-2021 was a year unlike any other. While it significantly changed the member experience, it was also a period of significant innovation that would position our organization even better for the future.

Chapter Strategy

Valentines Day... But Make it DECA Style

Jan 31, 2022

The season of love has arrived! February is the month to cherish your loved ones and let them know how much you appreciate them. Here are three ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your DECA chapter!

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: To Tell or Not To Tell

Jan 31, 2022

You are the director of human resources and director of customer relations for Soundwave Company Bakery, a regional chain of coffee shops with twenty-five locations. Soundwave Company Bakery provides the communities it serves with coffees, teas, muffins, scones, croissants and other beverages and freshly baked treats.

Case Study of the Week

Case Study of the Week: Insurance Needs for Young Adults

Jan 24, 2022

You are to assume the role of a senior college student. You are meeting with a risk management advisor at an insurance organization to learn about the need for insurance, the benefits of having insurance and the consequences of not having insurance.

Career Insights

6 Steps to Create an Integrated Marketing Campaign

Jan 15, 2022

With so much competition in the marketplace, brands need to do everything they can to stand out to their customers. An integrated marketing campaign is not only effective, but it can boost brand awareness, build loyalty, and improve revenue. Here are six tips for creating an integrated marketing campaign.

Career Insights

Advertising: Generating Ideas

Jan 15, 2022

Learn creative thinking skills through an ideation process. Explore simple, fun, creative thinking techniques designed that can be used to generate ideas for paintings, photography, films, animations, graphic design, sculptures, fabric design, fashion design, industrial design or any special creative interest.